Wonder why? Reasons are many.
Alleppey is a wonderland of lakes, lagoons, and greenery. It is the most sought after holiday destination in Kerala and the most beautiful backwaters in the World. No wonder, people call Kerala the “God’s Own Country”. Such is the charm of Kerala and the Alleppey backwaters add more reasons to call it so. The backwaters, the food, the people, everything in Alleppey is entertaining and welcoming. If you are still looking for reasons to travel to Alleppey, take a look at these 5 reasons you must visit the Alleppey backwaters in Kerala.
1. Houseboats
You might have heard of the famous Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey. Yes! The Houseboats are indeed the best way to enjoy the backwaters of Alleppey. These houseboats are basically wooden boats used for transportation during the time when roads were very rare in India. Alleppey, being a backwater destination, water was the major means for people for transporting goods and also for them to travel from place to place.
Gradually, these boats became popular among tourists as they found it the best most enjoyable way to explore the backwaters. That is how the Houseboats came into the tourism scene. Now, there are 4000+ houseboats in Alleppey serving over tens of thousands of tourists from all corners of the World every day. A holiday in Kerala is now never complete if you do not spend a night in one of these customized houseboats. Google Alleppey Houseboats or Alappuzha Houseboats for more details on what to expect from a houseboat tour in Alleppey.
2. Food
Oh! This is interesting for the foodies. In case if you do not know, Kerala food is popular for its deliberate use of homegrown spices and coconut. The flavor is rich and I bet you would find it so appealing. While you are in Alleppey you must try their “Puttu and Kadala Curry” for breakfast, their Karimeen Pollichathu [Pearl Spot [fish] steam cooked along with selected spices in a banana leaf] for lunch and possible “Aappam and Duck Roast” for dinner.
There are few more authentic Alleppey dishes you must try but these are my personal favorites and I am sure once you try, there is a high chance of these getting into your favorite food list as well. If you are in a houseboat, you are served with these Alleppey special dishes prepared by the houseboat crew on board.
3. Try Toddy [Special Drink]
Yup! A natural alcoholic drink in Kerala, today is extracted from coconut trees. It has been the local drink of Kerala people for thousands of years and the best part is it is a pure organic drink. If you are a person who drinks and if you love to try something new, this is a must try. Consider it like beer. A glass of today won’t get you high and so it is even healthy for nondrinkers. There are numerous toddy shops in Alleppey where you can sit and drink today along with some lip-smacking Alleppey food. I would personally recommend a fresh glass of today with some special Prawns fry or probably “Kappa-Meen curry”, a famous Kerala food combination which is basically boiled Tapioca clubbed with spicy fish curry. It is super duper delicious and you would be left licking out your tongue clean.
4. Adventure activities in Alleppey
Craving for some adventure? Do not worry, Alleppey has got many exciting things to do in her lot. Do Kayaking, Canoeing and Speed boating interest you? Then you must try these activities in Alleppey. Kayaking and Canoeing in backwaters of Kerala is something the adventure junkies cannot afford to miss. Paddling your way along the narrow canals of Alleppey take you to a whole new side of Alleppey where the houseboats cannot enter. You get to see the day to day local life of Alleppey up close. You come across verdant paddy fields, local markets, toddy shops and a lot more.
5. The Beach
Well! It is not just the backwaters in Alleppey, but the beautiful beach just 2 km from the town is also a favorite spot for the travelers. By evening the beach is lively with local residents who come to catch the Sunset. Grab some hot Chilli Pakodas [A crispy snack made of green chilles] and sit by the shoreline. Enjoy the Sunset, the waves and a hot cup of tea definitely compliments it.
That is it from us this time.
These are just 5 reasons why you must visit Alleppey backwaters in Kerala. There are many more and it is better experienced than said.
So pack your bags and set off a journey to the Alleppey Backwaters.
And Yes! If you find it difficult to find a reliable and trusted Houseboat tour operator in Alleppey, you can always count on us- Cruise Land Houseboats. We are one of the premier Houseboat tour operators in Alleppey.
For all your travel needs in Alleppey, let it be Houseboat booking, airport taxi service or local guides, We are here to help you.
For more details, take a full tour of our website.